Planet Bluegrass, organizers of Rockygrass, Lyons Folks Fest, and the famed Telluride Bluegrass Festival—which has coincided with the summer solstice for 5 decades—are pleased to announce Mabon, a new concert series programmed in conjunction with longtime Planet Bluegrass fan-favorite, Watchhouse. Mabon will take place September 16-18 in Lyons, Colorado, at the Planet Bluegrass Ranch during the Autumn equinox. Tickets are on-sale now. (Planet Bluegrass, 2022) 

The series kicks off on Friday, September 16 with Regina Spektor and a special duo set from hosts Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz—aka Watchhouse. Saturday, September 17 continues with a could-only-be-at-Planet-Bluegrass billing of Emmylou Harris with Watchhouse as her backing band and sets from Thee Sacred Souls, Big Richard, and a performance from one half of Watchhouse, Andrew Marlin with his instrumental string band. Sunday will kick off with Yasmin Williams and fans will ease into the fall season and afternoon with Waxahatchee and The Lil’ Smokies. The weekend will be bookended by a final, full band Watchhouse set. 

“We are so excited to be curating this series with Watchhouse!,” says Grace Barrett, Planet Bluegrass’ director of partnerships and communications. “They are dear friends whose music has inspired us for years. The Planet Bluegrass calendar really functions around the sun, and we can’t think of a better way to say ‘so long’ to summer.” 

Frantz and Marlin share in that enthusiasm. They add, “We’ve been lucky enough to play so many festivals and events and have always loved the ones hosted by Planet Bluegrass. We haven’t been able to sit in on the curation side until now and we’re so grateful for the opportunity to reach out to artists whose songs have meant a lot to us over the years, or just recently. Autumn solstice feels like the perfect time to cozy up and sink into some feely songs together.” 

For over 30 years, Planet Bluegrass has been redefining the musical festival by creating exceptional experiences that protect the planet through environmental leadership and a strong community. Fiercely and decidedly independent, their three festivals make a unique musical mark: each takes place in breathtaking natural Colorado environments, each features the world’s finest musicians and songwriters, and each embraces a “Leave No Trace” ethic that defines Planet Bluegrass as a leader in Sustainable Festivation. Planet Bluegrass presents Telluride Bluegrass, Rockygrass, Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, all bucket list musical gatherings for artists and fans alike. Planet Bluegrass is invested in the next generation of songwriters and musicians as evidenced by Rockygrass Academy and Song School.